Modern walnut kitchen with concealed utility room

East Grinstead

The brief

Now retired, the owners of a detached property in Dormans Park in East Grinstead felt it was time to transform their existing kitchen into a modern space with the wow factor. As keen entertainers, the room needed to accommodate and function well for large parties and include some impressive features. The couple also wanted a separate utility room accessible via the kitchen – with an entrance that blended into the kitchen and appears hidden.

The solution

A close friend recommended Stoneham retailer RDO to reimagine the existing footprint to create their desired space. For the furniture in both the kitchen and utility room, Stoneham’s Ambience range in American Walnut was chosen. The smooth, flush-surface handleless doors provide a contemporary finish, while the grain of the timber adds warmth and texture.

One of the main features in the kitchen is a double-tier island with a breakfast bar to one end with seating for family and guests. The Sapienstone worktop has a waterfall detail on the breakfast bar running down to the floor, which is one of the first things you notice as you enter the room. The colour of choice for the worktops throughout the kitchen was Calacatta Macchia Vecchia which has a golden marble-effect veining and adds to the warm and luxurious aesthetic.  At the other end of the island a Bora Vented Hob sits within the worksurface contributing to the kitchen’s modern feel.

Another key feature in this walnut kitchen which was a must for the couple and their love of entertaining was a bespoke drinks bar area. The design included a cruciform wine rack with a built-in tray sitting directly above and an illuminated alcove in American Walnut – ideal for displaying bar essentials.  Built into the unit is a Caple Wine Cooler to keep bottles of fizz and wine chilled for those all-important parties. Adding a focal point to the area, a stunning bronze antique mirror was installed to one wall and connects to the worktop adding another texture which contrasts with the dominant walnut wood seen throughout the kitchen.

A subtle and unique detail in the design is the Macassar feature accents which surround the tall walnut units and are illuminated by neutral white LED lighting. The animalistic stripes on the Macassar accents complement the clients’ artwork that is on show in the kitchen and makes the room more personal to the couple.

Within the tall unit is a bespoke full-height larder with a built-in walnut spice rack in the door. This allows the couple to organise and display their herbs and spices as well as other food items. Two Siemens ovens are also integrated into the centre of the tall units purposely positioned opposite the island to make it easy for preparing and cooking meals.

For access into the new utility room a door was created by the builder using Acupanel rustic smoked oak wood panels. These panels are also used as a border on the walls around the door allowing the door to blend into its surroundings. This contemporary design provides further texture and interest to the room and acts as a piece of art.

Soon after completion the couple put the kitchen to the test by hosting a party for 40 people, which was a great success.

This is just one many kitchens we’ve created for our happy customers. You can see our broad range of options and find the inspiration you need to create your dream kitchen in our design brochures here.

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